Trump Admin Sees Iran’s Qalibaf as Potential Negotiator After War

Mohammad Bagheri Ghalibaf, the Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, is playing an increasingly central role in ongoing negotiations with the United States, even as Tehran publicly denies direct talks, according to reports from multiple sources.

The developments come amid escalating tensions following recent strikes attributed to Israel and as former U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled a potential willingness to engage with Iran. Trump indicated Monday that things were “going very well” regarding Iran, following his announcement of discussions and a postponement of potential strikes against Iranian facilities, according to reports.

While Iran officially denies direct negotiations with the U.S., Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated that the country had received “messages from friendly countries” regarding a potential American request for talks. However, sources within the Trump administration, as reported by Politico, view Ghalibaf as a “dealable partner” capable of leading Iran and negotiating with Washington in a post-conflict scenario.

According to a report in Politico, some White House officials believe Ghalibaf is capable of leading Iran and negotiating with Washington. One U.S. Administration official described Ghalibaf as a “strong contender,” but cautioned against rushing to a conclusion, emphasizing the need to “test” several candidates willing to reach an agreement.

Ghalibaf’s prominence has risen alongside the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, positioning him as a key figure during a critical moment. He has been identified in reports as a potential negotiator for Iran with U.S. Deputy President J.D. Vance and other Washington envoys. Reuters reported Monday that Ghalibaf is currently negotiating on behalf of Iran with the United States as the conflict intensifies.

An Israeli official and a source familiar with the matter confirmed to Reuters that Ghalibaf is leading the negotiations for Iran. His increasing influence comes as other prominent figures have stepped back from the forefront. Ghalibaf, a former commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, former mayor of Tehran, former national police chief, and past presidential candidate, now serves as a primary link between Iran’s political, security, and religious elites.

Ghalibaf has long been a vocal critic of Israel and the United States, and previously vowed retaliation for any attacks. Following the death of Qassem Soleimani, he threatened “devastating blows that will develop you beg for mercy” to both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In a separate development, Politico reported that Trump may delay a potential military strike on Iran in the hope that the country will voluntarily abandon its nuclear program.